LETTER FROM MOM

Hi Izzy!! ONE MORE WEEK and then three days! I can't wait to hug you! But I need to tell you how proud I am of you. Izzy you have always had a deeply caring soul. You have always been 100% in on whatever you put your mind to. Whether that be school work, friends and social life, caring about others, Samoa, cheer, and now your mission and the Lord. You have blessed our lives immensely this past 18 months as you have chosen to leave your home and go be selfless among the people of Virginia. The Lord loves you so much. I know he appreciates so much your happy willing loving demeanor. I know he wants to give you a big hug and thank you for the positive energetic way you have given everything you are and have to your mission. To bring his children back to him. To show them the light of Christ and to celebrate everyone's individuality and gifts. You appreciate every little thing he has put on this Earth in a wondrous and beautiful way. The way he intended all of us to see it, you have taught everyone around you to see things through your eyes. Those of a deep soul and a childlike humble heart. You have so many gifts Izzy. You were born to shine and you light every room you enter. So many have loved and taken to heart every email you've written home, every experience you have shared. You have touched the lives of so many you can't even count. Both at home and on the mission. Both companions and friends on the street. You are righteous and kind. You know who you are and you boldly share it with everyone around you. And by doing so, you show them who they are. It's why so many are drawn to you. You remind them of who they once were and maybe have forgotten. But you also remind others that this life is meant to have Joy. Everyone loves you so much Izzy. Everyone loves your light and is so drawn to it. 
Thank you for being an example to your family by serving a mission. Thank you for showing Oliver and Soyer how important it is to you. I know they both look up to you so much. They want to please you and they want to be near you. They watch you and want to follow your example. Thank you for all you have taught dad and I. We feel as though our kids have raised us instead of the other way around. You have grown in the last 18 months what I'm still striving to achieve in my whole lifetime. You have learned the skills and lessons that will carry you through the rest of your life. 
You have such a bright future ahead of you. School, dating, marriage, kids, family, career, all of these things you have in store for you will be so magnified because of your decision to serve a mission. You will leaps and bounds beyond what dad and I were as we were beginning our life together. You will be so blessed and Heavenly Father will be by your side through all of your decisions and challenges. He will love you deeply forever for the sacrifice you have made to bring his children closer to him. I feel a glimpse of the gratitude he has for you Izzy. He has allowed me to feel that and I promise you he is giving you a big hug right now. He is so grateful. Dad and I are so grateful to you
Thank you Izabele for being brave. For being strong and for teaching me so many lessons in this life. You were meant to come to this Earth and I felt it strongly when I got pregnant with you. I knew you wanted to be here and that you needed to be here. I knew you were special. I feel so honored to be your mom. I don't know what I did to deserve you but I will thank my Heavenly Father every day for it. I love you so much Izzy. Thank you for serving. Thank you for the devotion and commitment you have given your mission. Thank you for being so kind and so much fun. I love you with my whole heart. See you soon!! 
Love, 
Mom xoxooxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo